Wilma Cole Loomis, well known Potosi, Missouri resident, died December 22, 2016 at the Washington County Memorial Hospital.

Wilma was born in Pleasant Hill, MO on November 8, 1923, the only child of the late Millard and Ruth (Nicholson) Cole. Wilma was a member of the Pleasant Hill Christian Church, graduated Potosi High School in 1941 and attended Central Methodist College and the University of Missouri. In 1945, Wilma married Clyde A. Loomis and they had two sons, Gregory Cole Loomis and James Clayton Loomis.

Wilma taught second grade in Potosi from 1944 – 1950. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the En Avant Society, M.F.W.C and was a dedicated member of the Potosi Presbyterian Church.

Wilma was very active in community affairs. Wilma and her husband Clyde led the Potosi Bicentennial Committee in 1963 which organized the week-long celebration. She and her husband worked with then Governor Hearnes to establish the Potosi Housing Authority known as Loomis Heights.

Wilma and Clyde owned Loomis Construction Company, headquartered in Potosi and Springfield, MO. They built the Potosi High School, Loomis Apartments, numerous churches, schools, homes and businesses in Washington County and later partnered with friends Jack & Marilyn Bust forming Bust & Loomis Construction to build the Lilac Subdivision.

Wilma loved flowers and gardening and was a talented landscaper. She was also an expert antique dealer, buying and selling from the 1950’s through the Log Cabin Antique Shop, dealer booths at antique malls, shows and most recently, through eBay.

Wilma loved entertaining friends and family at her home and was one of the last, great hostesses of her era. Wilma was also very generous and quietly provided work, housing and support to many people throughout her life. Her friends come from all walks of life.

Wilma is survived by her son James Clayton Loomis of Potosi, two grandsons Brendan J. Loomis and Sean G. Loomis both of St. Louis, and Debby Bust and Darla Harmon whom she loved as daughters.

In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her son, Gregory Cole Loomis.

Funeral Services was held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Potosi Presbyterian Church officiated by Dr. Dan Anderson-Little. Pallbearers are Sean Loomis, Brendan Loomis, Robin Bust, Brock Bust, Marvin Wright and Dan Brown. Honorary pallbearers are James Wood, Richard Smith and Richard Meyers. Visitation was held on Monday, December 26, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home in Potosi, MO.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Wilma Loomis’ name has been established at Potosi Presbyterian Church, 104 W. Breton St., Potosi, MO 63664.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilma Belle Loomis (Cole), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.